Photos: Nigerian Army Kills 21 Bandits in Successful Shawu Forest Clearance Operation in Katsina State

The Nigerian Army has successfully carried out a major clearance operation in Shawu Forest, located in Ruwan Godiya Ward of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State. The operation, part of the ongoing military campaign known as Operation Forest Sanity III, resulted in the elimination of 21 terrorists and the recovery of dozens of motorcycles and rustled cattle.

According to Nasiru Muazu, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the clearance mission was executed with precision and effectiveness by troops from the 17 Brigade Strike Group. The assault began at approximately 8:50 a.m. on May 23, 2025, when the troops launched a surprise attack on terrorist hideouts within the dense forest. A fierce gun battle ensued, forcing the insurgents to abandon their camps and flee into the surrounding bush and rocky terrain.

In a desperate attempt to evade capture, several of the terrorists tried to escape by crossing a nearby river. However, many were swept away and drowned during the pursuit. Military personnel maintained pressure throughout the operation, ultimately reclaiming control of the area without sustaining any casualties.

In the aftermath of the operation, troops recovered around 40 motorcycles used by the terrorists, along with an unspecified number of cattle that had been stolen from local communities. The success of this mission marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s broader efforts to combat terrorism and restore security to troubled areas of Katsina State and beyond.

Authorities have commended the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the crackdown on armed groups operating in forested regions of northwestern Nigeria.

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